Governor Bond Lake
Location 775 acres
Fishing Outlook
Striped Bass x White Bass (Wiper)
Fair
Hybrid striped bass have been stocked consistently over the past 10-15 years. One Hybrid Striped Bass was collected in the 2023 survey. It was only 5 inches and must have been a recently stocked fish. Angler reports suggest good numbers of 4-8 lb fish are present. Look for them chasing shad off steep rocky banks early morning or just before dark.
Channel Catfish
Very Good
An excellent Channel Catfish population exists in this lake. 17 Channel Catfish were collected between 17 and 29 inches with an average length of over 23 inches and an average weight of over 4 lbs.
Flathead Catfish
Good
The lake supports trophy Flathead Catfish with several over 40 lbs. collected in recent surveys.
Largemouth Bass
Good
This lake has a good bass population. We collected 47 Largemouth Bass per hour of electrofishing in 2023. These bass numbers are lower than our goal of 60 fish per hour, but this number is trending back up and much better than our previous 4 surveys (28 in 2021, 32 in 2019, 39 in 2016, 33 in 2014. The bass collected in the 2023 survey show a good size distribution and there are decent numbers of larger fish in this population. 63% of the fish collected exceeded 12 inches, 48% exceeded 15 inches, and 31% exceeded 18 inches. The percent of bass greater than 15 inches and 18 inches are both above our management goals. Average relative weights have gotten better indicating that the Largemouth Bass are in good body condition. The largest bass collected in our 2023 survey was 19.7 inches long and weighed 4.9 pounds. Poor natural reproduction and recruitment may still be limiting this population. The supplemental bass stockings by the IDNR and the city of Greenville will hopefully continue to improve the bass numbers in coming years.
Crappie spp.
Good
The crappie fishing can be very good with both White and Black Crappie present in the lake. More crappie were collected in our 2023 survey than in the previous years (16 per hour in 2023, 7 per hour in 2021, 5 per hour in 2019, 5 per hour in 2016). The White Crappie collected were of good size with 78% over 8 inches, and 48% over 10 inches. There is likely a good population of White and Black Crappie present in the lake.
Bluegill
Excellent
Bluegill are very abundant in the lake with lots of 6 inch fish and some over 7 inches. We collected 340 Bluegill per hour of electrofishing in 2023 compared to 200 per hour in 2021. The percent of quality-sized (6 inches or greater) bluegill was 67%. The percent of bluegills over 7 inches was only 6%.
| 2026 | Striped Bass x White Bass (Wiper) | Fingerling (1 - 3") | 6785 |
| 2025 | Largemouth Bass | Fingerling (1 - 3") | 19449 |
| 2025 | Striped Bass x White Bass (Wiper) | Fingerling (1 - 3") | 8745 |
| 2024 | Largemouth Bass | Fingerling (1 - 3") | 19533 |
| 2024 | Striped Bass x White Bass (Wiper) | Fingerling (1 - 3") | 8632 |
Contact
618-664-1644
Description
This is a 775-acre water supply lake owned by the City of Greenville. The fishery of the lake is cooperatively managed by the IDNR and the City of Greenville. The shoreline of the lake includes rock, woody structure, and some aquatic plants. There are two concrete boat ramps on the lake. The main ramp is on the southwest end of the lake off of Red Ball Trail. A second ramp is located on the southeast side of the lake off of East Lake Drive. Gas is available on the lake at the marina. There is limited shore angler access.Fishery History
The IDNR Division of Fisheries routinely monitors the status of the fishery of Governor Bond Lake. Recent stockings include supplemental Largemouth Bass, supplemental Channel Catfish, and annual Hybrid Striped Bass.Site Regulations
There is a 300 horsepower limit for boats and a 160 horsepower limit for personal watercraft. A city sticker is required for all boats. Boat permits may be purchased at Greenville City Hall, 404 South 3rd Street.
Site-Specific Fishing Regulations:
- All Fish: All jugs must be attended at all times
- Large or Smallmouth Bass: 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- Striped, White, or Hybrid Striped Bass: 17 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie: 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Additional Information
Planning to eat your catch? Fish Consumption Advisory information can be found here: Fish Consumption Advisory PageBath Map
